WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE?

What book should you read next? What words should you write next? Whether you're a reader, a writer, or both, you need look no further for ideas and pointers to help you make up your mind. You might even get your next book for free--and signed by the author!

Sometimes I even give away my own novels. My Inspirational romances and devotionals are pictured below and are detailed on my Books page. You can always count on a trace of humor in my novels and nonfiction. Whether you're a teen or a woman mature in years, I think these stories will ring true.

Read on, and discover some of today's most appealing Christian novelists, their latest books, and their words of wisdom and imagination. Enjoy!

Monday, June 26, 2017

Can a close-knit group of Amish friends help a new widow and mother find her way back to hope, joy, and even the possibility of love?

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the e-copy of Finding Love, by Toni Shiloh, is:

katie07edgar@...

Congratulations! We'll email your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Kelly Irvin, author of the Amish contemporary romance, Upon a Spring Breeze (Zondervan, April 2017).

Two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist Kelly Irvin is the author of the critically acclaimed Amish of Bee County, Bliss Creek Amish, and New Hope Amish series. Her latest work is Upon a Spring Breeze, the first novel in the four-book series Every Amish Season. Her work has also appeared in two Amish anthologies, An Amish Market and An Amish Christmas.

Kelly is a retired newspaper reporter and public relations professional who lives with her husband in Texas. They have two children, two grandchildren, and two cats.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I have a phobia of snakes. If I found one in my house, I would have to move.

Oh, yes. I'm with you on that. I've mentioned here before that, in my last house, I once found a very large, shed snake skin in the basement. No snake. WHERE was he? I shudder just remembering it.Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Upon a Spring Breeze.

After a devastating year, a spring breeze promises more than new flowers.… It promises a new chance at love.

Bess Weaver, twenty and expecting her first child, is in the kitchen making stew for her beloved mann, Caleb, one minute, and the next she’s burying him after a tragic accident. Facing life as a young widow, Bess finds comfort only in tending the garden at an Englisch-owned bed and breakfast—even as she doubts that new growth could ever come after such a long winter.

Aidan tries to repress his guilt over his best friend Caleb’s death and his long-standing feelings for Bess by working harder than ever. But as he spends time with the young son his friend left behind, he seems to be growing closer to the boy’s beautiful mother as well.

When a close-knit group of widows in her Amish community step in to help Bess find her way back to hope, she begins to wonder if Gott has a future for her after all. Will she ever believe that life can still hold joy—and the possibility of love?

What is it about Bess that will make your readers care about her?

Readers will relate to Bess’s struggle to rearrange her life to fit her new circumstances. She never saw it coming, and now she has to trust God that her life will still have meaning.

What kind of brainstorming do you do at the beginning of your novels?

With Amish romances, I start with my heroine and what obstacles she faces in life and in her spiritual walk. I do the same with the hero. What keeps them apart and what brings them together? I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer so I don’t outline. I’m always amazed at what happens to my characters as I write the story. The backstory frequently writes itself. I love it when they do something that surprises me.

I have a lot of respect for seat-of-the-pants authors. I'd wander around aimlessly if I tried that.What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

People might be surprised to know I don’t read a lot of straight romance. I’m a huge romantic suspense and mystery reader. One of my favorite new-to-me authors is Laurie R. King, who writes the Mary Russell—Sherlock Holmes series in which Sherlock is married. I recently finished The God of the Hive and loved it. I love how she’s remained true to the Sir Conan Doyle character and style while adding this strong, intelligent, and astute female character to the mix. Much more fun to read, I think.

I absolutely loved the Sherlock series on BBC. Watson's wife, Mary, was a sharp cookie in that version. What are you working on now?

I just finished a novella for the Amish Heirloom collection that will release in April 2018. I’m about halfway through the third book in the Every Amish Season series. It’s called Through the Autumn Air. The second book, Beneath the Summer Sun, is in line-edits right now. Lots of balls in the air!

I’m writing a series in which the heroine in each book will be from an older generation (mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, etc.) How do you feel about featuring older heroines? Does their age matter to you?

Thanks, Kelly, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Kelly has offered to give away a signed copy of her book next week. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Kelly's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Monday, June 19, 2017

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Under a Summer Sky, by Melody Carlson, is:

ahenderson312@...

Congratulations! I'll email you for your snail mail address, and we'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Toni Shiloh, author of the Christian contemporary romance, Finding Love (Celebrate Lit, June 2017).

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I don’t like coffee and fill my mug with black tea, milk, and sugar.

You sound like a Brit, Toni! Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Finding Love.

Delaney Jones has finally started to pick up the pieces of her shattered life after the death of her husband, Parker. Just as life enters a new normal, in walks Army soldier, Luke Robinson. Just when she makes the decision to trust him, life deals her a heavy blow.

Sergeant First Class Luke Robinson can’t get over his part in the death of Delaney’s husband. In hopes to assuage his guilt, he offers to lend a hand. Only, he never counted on the feelings she evokes with just a smile. Will his secrets widen the gulf or will he finally find absolution?

What is it about Delaney that will make your readers care about her?

Delaney Jones is a widow with two twin boys. As aggravating as she was in book one, Buying Love, you get to take a deeper look at her story and learn how the death of her husband changed her.

What kind of brainstorming do you do at the beginning of your novels?

Honestly, it depends on the book. With Finding Love, Delaney told me her deepest fear: falling in love with another military man. My brain took over from there.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

The last book I read was Looking Glass Lies, by Varina Denman. It is such a poignant tale of a woman learning to love herself and her looks that I can’t help but recommend it. We all struggle with self-image, some more than others. This book will help you see yourself in a new light.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a Christmas novella. I’m so excited to be writing. It seems like it’s been awhile, lol. Once a book is finished, you edit, market, interact with readers (probably my fave next to writing). So, I’m excited to be writing a new story again.

Have you ever had a traumatic experiencing that froze you and you swore to yourself, you wouldn’t put yourself in that position again? If so, did you or how did you overcome that fear?

Thanks, Toni, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Toni has offered to give away an e-copy of her book next week. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Toni's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Sunday, June 11, 2017

Nicole Anderson accepts a dream job managing an art gallery and quickly discovers the nightmares involved, but the promise of romance combined with the beauty of Savannah entice her to persevere.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of A Stolen Heart, by Amanda Cabot, is:

paulams49@...

Congratulations! I'll email you for your snail mail address, and we'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Melody Carlson, author of the contemporary romance, Under a Summer Sky (Revell, June 2017). Tell us about yourself, Melody.

I’m probably one of the most prolific writers (more than 200 books published) but it wasn’t anything I set out to do—I simply enjoy writing and do it quickly. I’m mostly known for teen and women’s fiction and like to write realistic stories with hope.

I live with my husband of 39 years in Oregon and enjoy the ‘great outdoors.’ We have two grown sons and a thirteen year old granddaughter, and a yellow lab dog named Audrey.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I’m restoring a 1963 travel trailer—just for fun!

What fun! I hope travels are in your future, then.Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Under a Summer Sky.

Nicole is an art teacher who feels ‘stuck’ in Seattle. When a family friend invites her to spend the summer managing a Savannah art gallery and house-sitting in a gorgeous home, Nicole bites. Her hope is to work in lovely place and earn some money, pursue her own art dreams, and to relax in luxury.

Unfortunately she soon discovers some obstacles to her carefree summer plans, including a resentful gallery employee who challenges Nicole’s every move, a pair of brothers suddenly vying for her attention, and a ‘squatter’ in her house.

But her attraction to this beautiful and historic old town, combined with the promise of a true romance keep Nicole from giving up.

What is it about Nicole that will make your readers care about her?

In many ways Nicole is just an ‘ordinary girl.’ An art teacher and frustrated artist, Nicole has a big heart, but she’s recovering from a bad relationship and somewhat disillusioned with her life. She’s ripe for a fresh start in a new and interesting place . . . and ready for a truly good guy.

What kind of brainstorming do you do at the beginning of your novels?

I always start with a character—and then I give them a problem. After that I add a setting, and then I just leap into writing, discovering the story along the way.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I’ve read several novels lately that I can’t recommend, but last year I read Take Me With You by Catherine Ryan Hyde, and I’ve recommended that delightful read to lots of people. I absolutely loved this book!

What are you working on now?

I’m actually just beginning my annual Christmas novella (I think it’s about #16 and won’t be out until 2018). This year’s offering is called The Christmas Blessing.

Thanks, Melody, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Melody has offered to give away a signed copy of her book next week. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Melody's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Monday, June 5, 2017

After her plans for the future are shattered by the revelation that her fiancé has married another, a young woman finds both love and danger in the Texas Hill Country as she and the sheriff struggle to unravel the town’s secrets and unmask a murderer.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free e-copy of Coming Home ~ A Tiny House Collection, featuring the novella, Love is Sweeter in Sugar Hill, by Ane Mulligan, is:

donvelma@...

Congratulations! I'll forward your email address to Ane, and we'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's meet novelist Amanda Cabot, author of the historical romance, A Stolen Heart (Revell, March 2017).

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of more than thirty novels including the Texas Dreams trilogy, the Westward Winds series, the Texas Crossroad trilogy, and Christmas Roses.

A former director of Information Technology, she has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages. Amanda is delighted to now be a fulltime writer of Christian romances, living happily ever after with her husband in Wyoming.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I enjoy sewing and make most of my own clothes as well as dressing dolls for the local women’s shelter.

How kind that you use your talent for the shelter.Please tell us a bit more about the plot of A Stolen Heart.

From afar, Cimarron Creek seems like an idyllic town tucked in the Texas Hill Country. But when former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford steps onto its dusty streets in 1880, she finds a town with a deep-seated resentment of Northerners—like her. Lydia won’t let that get her down, though. All will be well when she’s reunited with her fiancé.

But when she discovers he has disappeared—and that he left behind a pregnant wife—Lydia is at a loss about what to do next.

The handsome sheriff urges her to trust him, but can she trust anyone in this town where secrets are as prevalent as bluebonnets in spring?

What is it about Lydia that will make your readers care about her?

Lydia’s an ordinary woman caught in an extraordinary situation, and – like most women – she learns that she’s stronger than she realized.

What kind of brainstorming do you do at the beginning of your novels?

I start by choosing a setting – in this case the Texas Hill Country – then ask myself what kind of people would live there and what problems would they encounter.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I just finished Irene Hannon’s Sandpiper Cove and absolutely loved it. It’s a story that tugged on my heartstrings. The hero’s situation is almost heartbreaking, and even though I knew she’d give him a happy ending, I wasn’t sure how that would happen.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently writing the first draft (my least favorite part of the writing process) of A Tender Hope, the third of the Cimarron Creek books. Even though I don’t enjoy writing first drafts, I’m excited about this book, because this is where all the plot points are resolved and the last of Cimarron Creek’s secrets are revealed.

What is the most important thing you look for in an historical romance?

Thanks, Amanda, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book.
Readers, Amanda has offered to give away a signed copy of her book next week. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Amanda's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE